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Intergovernmental Agreement Worker Permit (Valtioiden väliseen sopimukseen perustuva työ)
FinlandFinland•Europe
Open

Intergovernmental Agreement Worker Permit (Valtioiden väliseen sopimukseen perustuva työ)

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

1–2 months

Estimated Cost

EUR €760–€1,060

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

Varies based on the agreement

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Overview

Streamlined work permit for specialists whose positions are required by formal bilateral or multilateral intergovernmental agreements.

The Intergovernmental Agreement Worker Permit is a Finnish residence permit for professionals working under bilateral or multilateral treaties. Applicants must have confirmed employment and a supply contract indicating the work covered by the agreement. Unlike standard work visas, this permit fulfills international obligations rather than market-based labor needs.

Duration and stay vary by agreement. The permit is renewable and grants work authorization for the agreed role. Processing takes 30–60 days (statutory maximum 2 months). Spouses can work independently and family members may apply as dependents. Fees are €530 (first permit, online) or €630 (paper), with renewals at €230 (online) or €430 (paper).

This visa is ideal for technical experts, specialists, and professionals assigned to government-funded international projects or bilateral diplomatic missions requiring a formal treaty basis.

Cost Breakdown

First permit (Online)EUR €530
Extended permit (Online)EUR €230
First permit (Paper)EUR €630
Extended permit (Paper)EUR €430
TotalEUR €760–€1,060

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

TTOL — Residence Permit for an Employed Person (Työntekijän oleskelulupa)
Finland flagFinland

TTOL — Residence Permit for an Employed Person (Työntekijän oleskelulupa)

Validity1 year
Processing3 weeks – 2 months
View Visa Details
P-Permit — Permanent Residence Permit (Pysyvä oleskelulupa)
Finland flagFinland

P-Permit — Permanent Residence Permit (Pysyvä oleskelulupa)

Validity5 years
Processing5 months – 1.2 years
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Work must be part of an intergovernmental agreement.

Must have confirmed employment before applying.

Must have a supply contract indicating the work covered by the agreement.

Must have sufficient financial resources for the entire validity period.

Must meet general requirements for entry into Finland.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

Experience

1+ years

Min. Income

17,556 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport.

Passport photo (or photo retrieval code).

Supply contract indicating the work covered by the agreement.

Terms of employment (filled in by the employer).

Document showing legal stay in the country of application (if applying abroad).

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Competitive fees starting at EUR 530 for first permit (online)
  • Fast processing: varies by agreement, with clear application pathway
  • Spouse can work without restriction in Finland
  • Family members qualifying for dependent visas
  • Permit is renewable, enabling continued residence under the agreement
  • No nationality restrictions; open to applicants from all countries
  • Streamlined pathway for treaty-based work roles, avoiding standard labor market testing

Worth Knowing

  • Minimum 1 year of relevant professional experience required
  • Minimum bachelor's degree required and EUR 17,556 annual income threshold
  • Work authorization limited to the specific work covered by the intergovernmental agreement
  • Dual intent not permitted; applicant must commit to temporary residence
  • First permit applications must generally be submitted from abroad rather than from within Finland
  • No pathway to permanent residency; permit tied to agreement duration
  • Confirmed employment and intergovernmental agreement certification required before applying
  • Remote work not allowed; must work in Finland for the designated agreement

Application Process

1

Ensure the employer has filled in the terms of employment.

2

Fill in the application form (online via Enter Finland or on paper).

3

Pay the processing fee.

4

Book an appointment to prove your identity at a Finnish mission (if abroad) or a Migri service point (if in Finland).

5

Attend the appointment to prove your identity and present original documents.

6

Wait for the decision.

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